British Arab Network Chairman interviewed about latest audio leaks in Egypt on Aljazeera English

On 8th February, Dr. Wafik Moustafa, Chairman of the British Arab Network, was interviewed as a panel member on Inside Story on Aljazeera English. The programme was titled ‘Will latest audio leaks hurt Egypt’s Sisi?’

President allegedly demands money from and makes offensive remarks about Gulf nations in leaked audio tapes.

A television station in Turkey has aired what it claims is a leaked conversation involving Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

In the recording, Sisi makes offensive remarks about some Gulf countries, suggesting Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have more money than they need, and that Egypt should have a share.

The three countries provided key financial aid to Egypt after Mohamed Morsi was ousted from power in July 2013.

So what implications could these leaks have on relations between Egypt and the Gulf countries?

Presenter: Folly Bah Thibault

Guests:

Fahad Alshelaimi – President of the Gulf Peace and Security Forum

Joseph Kechichian – Senior writer at Gulf News and author of several books including ‘Legal and Political Reforms in Saudi Arabia’

Wafik Moustafa – Founder and chairman of the British Arab Network

Commenting on the audio leaks, Dr. Moustafa said:

“…It raises huge concerns. It is sheer contempt regarding Arab leaders and it raises concerns about the ability and credibility of President Sisi and his Government inside and outside of Egypt. It’s very difficult to say how it is going to work out in the next few weeks. Looking at the broad picture in Egypt, Egypt is becoming a police state.. Just last week 200 people were sentenced to death…It is not a rosy road for Sisi and Egypt…Listening to the tape these people rule Egypt now. They have the keys for the country. If they are talking like this, I can’t see them changing as they were in very high positions at the time.”